Coaching my son’s rugby team has always been about more than the game itself. Over the past three years, the children and
parents have grown into a close-knit community, united not just by a love for rugby but by genuine friendship. Every year, we like to step away from the pitch and come together for an evening of fun, laughter, and team bonding. This year, we decided on ten-pin bowling, and what a night it turned out to be.
The event was a bargain at just £10 per child, covering two games of bowling and a hearty meal of cheeseburgers or chicken nuggets with chips. As the kids piled into the venue, their excitement was infectious, and even the parents seemed keen to show off their skills—or lack thereof—on the lanes. The night was always going to be a memorable one, but for me and my family, it held an extra layer of joy: my son’s birthday was the very next day.
Combining the team outing with a little birthday celebration felt like the perfect way to mark the occasion. Twenty children, fuelled by burgers, chips, and sheer excitement, took to the lanes with gusto. Some of the kids proved surprisingly good, much to the amusement—and occasional dismay—of their parents, who weren’t quite ready to be out-bowled by nine-year-olds. Others treated the game as more of a comedy act, with bowling balls meandering down the lanes and plenty of good-natured laughter.
The parents, meanwhile, couldn’t resist turning the evening into a light-hearted competition. While some took a relaxed approach, others brought an unexpected level of seriousness to the game. It was brilliant to see the healthy rivalry extending beyond the pitch and into the bowling alley, cementing the strong bonds within our rugby family.
As for my son, his joy was unmistakable. Whether he was high-fiving his teammates, laughing at a lucky strike, or basking in the glow of a birthday singalong, his happiness lit up the entire evening. For me, moments like these are what it’s all about—seeing your child surrounded by friends, sharing laughter and making memories that will last a lifetime.
As the night drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of unity among the group. Rugby might be the thing that brought us all together, but it’s nights like this that truly make us feel like a team. Watching the children and parents leave with smiles on their faces was the perfect way to cap off the evening.
Here’s to another year of rugby, friendship, and moments like these. And, of course, happy birthday to my little champion—here’s hoping your year ahead is as joyful as tonight!